Q’S I HOPE I HAVE A’S FOR…
“The pictures are perfect and you are perfect. It's funny how when I came across your instagram & website I felt a connection and thought, yep this is my photographer. And sometimes you don't know if that connection is real and you hope that it plays out the way you want it to in your head - and I was right! We really enjoyed spending our wedding day with you. You made it fun (and easy)! I can't thank you enough for being a part of our day and creating memories that'll last a lifetime.”
-Chrisea J
You want ‘the look’…
I get a lot of us are scouring through social media and Pinterest finding those amazing shots from around the Globe and placing them in our inspiration folders. I love it! BUT I do got to say: if you want to look the part, you are going to have to act the part.
With that said: BE IN THE MOMENT, DANCE, BE SILLY and most importantly just ENJOY YOURSELF.
Get the idea of what it will take to get the look you want
Why would we choose film?
When you take the look of film alone, it just doesn’t even look the same as digital. When you shoot with film there is this very organic part of the day where it isn’t about triggering the camera but about being there, presently, with the camera and the moment. Film is the analog process of shooting whereas Digital is well, digital. I do get asked a lot the difference and I just assumed everyone knew what 35mm was and silly me, that isn’t the case!
35mm is the size of the film and the most commonly used for all types of photography. The roll gives you 30-36 images a roll. A roll will cost a photographer anywhere between $12-$18 and that is before the process of developing and scanning.
I also shoot in 120mm Medium Format and Polaroid. 120mm Format is an untouchable gorgeous set up which is even more time consuming than the film process (not a lot and not even noticeable, but the film is bigger and that means so are the cameras!) 120mm film only gives you 10 shots.
35mm Film
120mm
Where should we do this thing?
There are tons of desert/mountain locations that you can get married in. IF you want a state park like Valley of Fire or Redrock, this would have to be booked with an officiant who is registered for those areas to perform the ceremony. If you want to be off the beaten path in many of our locations nearby, look at Corn Creek, Nelson’s Landing or maybe a place I could meet you like JOSHUA TREE! (another state park that needs a permit)
CHAPELS/VENUES THAT I LOVE TO WORK WITH:
What props do we use?
I always love props, it adds texture to the story and especially if you are just the two of you, it gives me something to play with. Do you have a ticket stub from your first date or something you love to have together like Ice Cream or a Beer? Are balloons your thing, smoke bombs, vintage cars, flowers, glitter… all of this goes a long way! Sometimes we forget all of the meaningful things when planning the wedding that we already have- I am sure you can look around your home and find items that mean something to the two of you. If it is a movie you love together, maybe a tag line or a cocktail taken from that film?
How do we get around?
I suggest having ways to get around to start and end the photo session together. I am no longer taking clients back to their hotel after the photo session is complete.
Other ways that couples can get to locations with a group is renting a bus if the destination is far (Dry Lake Bed, Nelson’s Landing Desert). IF you are getting married at a chapel which is in city limits close to all hotels, I suggest having your parties take UBERS themselves.
MOST CHAPELS HAVE A LIMO SERVICE THAT PICKS YOU UP FROM THE HOTEL IF YOU SO DESIRE
Also, you can hire a vintage car with a driver or a car to drive around for yourselves!
What time of day is best to start booking?
Go ahead and google the sun set time of the day you are looking to book. This will be your barometer for our booking time. I don’t normally shoot a ceremony and downtown past sun set. If your reception falls after sunset, of course that is fine, but I tend to always work until that sun drops and I turn into a pumpkin ;)
SUMMER MONTHS ARE WARM! PLEASE CONSIDER AN INDOOR CEREMONY TO COOL OFF AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE or bright eyed in the early morning sun!
How do we pay? What is the process?
I ask for 35% to hold the date! I send an electronic contract that signs and holds the date solely for YOU. I do not book more than one shoot a day. For reasons of missing cards, files, getting ruined gear (that would be the WORST). The rest of the payment is due week of the ceremony.
lil’Tips
Don’t spend too much time out in the sun before your shoot date- editing discolored skin/tan lines can be a nightmare
Little things like drinks, cakes, donuts, sunglasses, a jacket, shawl, veil really make a difference in the “texture and story” of the day!
TRUST ME you are not “awkward.” The more corny you feel, the better the images. Plan to dance, laugh and act a fool. You do this once, and we make it count.
Create a mood board of what you aim to achieve in your shoot & focus on the overall goal. Does your inspiration have a “mood”? What kind of accessories can be added into your shoot to make sure you have that “story”?
Wear your shoes beforehand, try them on and walk in them. Don’t bring brand new shoes to have a full day in! Break them in! No one is photographing those soles, walk in them before the big day.
If your outfit shows off tattoos, be prepared to have them in the photo. If you wish to have tattoos edited out (maybe think of another alternative in an outfit) This can be done, but there will be an added fee
For larger parties, allocate a friend to wrangle in the family for group shots. I would love to know everyone there, but I won’t
For larger parties have a bus or limo: no one is a straggler and you save on transportation
Warmer months are hot! Find ceremonies inside and be prepared with an outfit that can stand the heat.
Sateen fabric does not photograph nicely with high / strong light or sun
